The Transmigrator's Cultivation

Chapter 41 - Arc 4: The Affairs of Chenghuang Kingdom | Chapter 41: The Crown Prince

Translator: Lynn

Content warning: This chapter contains NSFW content, just a little bit. I will use a b.u.t.ton if you want to see it, if not, you can skip it.

“Big brother?” Dong Lizhao’s initial joy turned to worry. His older brother was confined within his own bedchamber, unaware of the difficulties he had faced for many days. Dong Lizhao held his breath and cautiously took a few steps forward.

In an instant, however, he heard another voice from inside, raising suspicions within him.

Xu Ziqing’s complexion went from red to white. While mortals like Dong Lizhao had poor hearing, Xu Ziqing, as a cultivator, could perceive every sound clearly.

There, unmistakably…

Dong Lizhao remained vigilant and discreetly twisted his mouth, creating a small hole in the window paper. This allowed the sound to pa.s.s through more clearly, enabling him to listen attentively.

Dong Lizhao’s face turned pale with disbelief. How could he not recognize the powerful man as the State General and the young man he had fought with so fiercely as his beloved elder brother!

His n.o.ble brother, the Crown Prince, was once handsome, magnanimous, and talented—the most ill.u.s.trious prince of all. Yet now, he was entangled with his enemy, completely forgetting about Dong Lizhao’s existence.

This was still the brother he admired and cherished the most—the Crown Prince!

Dong Lizhao clenched his teeth, consumed by anger. He yearned to storm into the room and confront the Crown Prince. He wanted to ask him if he had forgotten their mother’s murder, their brothers’ imprisonment, and the plot to overthrow their dynasty. How could he be so shameless…

Unable to bear it any longer, Dong Lizhao was about to burst into the room when someone grabbed his arm from behind. He turned to see the handsome cultivator who had accompanied him all the way back.

“Sir…” he seethed with hatred, “Spare me the embarra.s.sment. I cannot let my royal brother sink to such… such shamelessness.” The last four words were swallowed, unspoken.

Xu Ziqing let out a soft sigh, having already recovered from his earlier embarra.s.sment. He whispered to Dong Lizhao, “Zhao’er, take a closer look into the prince’s eyes.”

Dong Lizhao was taken aback, but hope suddenly surged within him. He pleaded, “Sir, is there any way for me to see more clearly?”

Xu Ziqing’s gaze softened as he lightly brushed his fingers over Dong Lizhao’s eyelids.

Dong Lizhao’s vision became sharper, and every detail in the room became visible to him. He deliberately ignored the Great General and focused solely on his brother’s face.

As expected, although Dong Lixi appeared to be in a state of ecstasy, his eyes were clear and sober when examined closely. Occasionally, when his gaze fell upon the man thrusting and panting, a trace of coldness emanated from his eyes.

In an instant, Dong Lizhao felt a tremendous sense of relief, followed by a surge of hatred toward that sycophant.

“That despicable person should be killed for disrespecting his elder brother like this!” he exclaimed furiously.

Xu Ziqing gently stroked his shoulder. “Don’t go in there,” he cautioned.

Dong Lizhao muttered in a low voice, “Yes, sir.” He paused and continued, “I understand.”

If he barged in now, not only would he alert the snake, but he would also cause his elder brother to lose face. It would be a great shame and anger for the Crown Prince, who was destined to ascend the throne and become the Son of Heaven, to be witnessed in such a state by his beloved brother.

Even for the sake of Dong Lixi’s dignity, Dong Lizhao, who had now regained his composure, would not act impulsively.

After suppressing his emotions, Dong Lizhao pulled on Xu Ziqing’s sleeve and said, “Sir, I… I don’t want to watch anymore.”

Understanding his sentiments, Xu Ziqing acquiesced and retreated back into the shadows with him.

The sounds of crashing and heavy breathing persisted in the room for over two hours before finally subsiding. Soon after, the rustling of clothing could be heard from inside, and the formidable Great General emerged from the bedchamber, fully dressed and composed.

Dong Lizhao observed a eunuch approaching with a fawning smile, “General, this slave has prepared hot water. Shall I bring it in for His Highness?”

The strong man wiped his face and replied, “Go ahead, but don’t wake him up.”

The eunuch acknowledged and went on his way, while the strong man adjusted his hair once more before leaving with purposeful strides.

Dong Lizhao’s eyes were bloodshot as he fixated on the eunuch bringing in the water, his words dripping with ruthlessness, “These insolent slaves, the king shall bury them all with Jiao Tu¹Jiao Tu: The general’s name.!”

Xu Ziqing furrowed his brow, and shook his head with a sigh, but refrained from saying anything.

Suddenly, a voice from inside inquired, “Your Highness, are you ready for your meal?”

A tired and indifferent voice replied, “No, I do not require it.”

Darkness had fallen, and the sounds of water in the bedchamber had ceased. The eunuchs withdrew in unison, leaving the room cold and silent.

Dong Lizhao’s fingers trembled, and with Xu Ziqing’s a.s.sistance, he phased through the wall.

Inside the bedchamber, someone lay flat on the bed under the curtains, a thin hand resting absentmindedly on the edge of the bed, seemingly attuned to the person’s even breathing.

Dong Lizhao couldn’t resist and quietly approached the edge of the bed.

In the next instant, the person on the bed sprang up and tightly gripped Dong Lizhao’s neck, demanding, “Who are you?”

Dong Lizhao was forced to tilt his head back, enduring the pain, but his eyes shimmered with delight. It was wonderful to see that his elder brother was still so capable, defying the image of decrepitude he had envisioned.

But Dong Lixi had already taken a good look at him, releasing his grip abruptly, his voice trembling as he whispered, “Is that Zhao’er?”

Dong Lizhao vigorously nodded, “It’s Zhao’er… It’s Zhao’er who has returned!”

Dong Lixi took a deep breath and lowered his voice further, “How did you get in here? How dare you? If you were caught, what would happen to you?”

Dong Lizhao didn’t want his brother to worry, so he smiled and replied, “Mr. Xu helped me get in. Thanks to him, no one noticed me along the way.”

It was then that Dong Lixi noticed the presence of a young man in a green shirt standing quietly behind Dong Lizhao.

He appeared to be only seventeen or eighteen years old, possessing a striking handsomeness and a gentle temperament that made him approachable. Though still somewhat guarded, he wouldn’t mar his brother’s countenance, so he stood up and spoke, “Thank you, sir, for your kindness. May I know your name?”

Xu Ziqing also focused his gaze on the prince.

With long eyebrows and a handsome face, the prince stood tall, exuding an air of elegance and courtesy. Despite having been compelled into submission earlier, he showed no signs of humiliation. He truly deserved to be the Crown Prince’s chosen companion and was genuinely admired.

Xu Ziqing smiled faintly and responded, “I am Xu Ziqing, a man from the mountains.”

Dong Lizhao interjected eagerly, “Brother, he is an immortal cultivator with remarkable abilities, and he is also our brother’s savior!”

Upon hearing this, Dong Lixi expressed surprise, “Mr. Xu is a cultivator?”

Xu Ziqing was slightly taken aback, but the prince knew that there were individuals outside the mortal realm, such as cultivators… He nodded and said, “Indeed. Your Highness is well-informed.”

Dong Lixi smiled calmly, “Since my father’s prolonged illness, he called for this Lixi by his bedside and confided all the secrets. Therefore, I am aware that there exist not only the Lower Nine Continents but also the Upper Nine Continents. However, the Upper Nine Continents is a world beyond our own, and Lixi longs for it but remains unaware of where the immortals reside.” He glanced at Dong Lizhao with affectionate eyes and continued, “Since Zhao’er has encountered Mr. Xu, he must have inadvertently entered the Upper Nine Continents, but he is more fortunate than Lixi.”

Merely from a few words shared by his younger brother, Dong Lixi deduced so much. He possessed astute judgment and would bring benefit to the court if he ascended the throne. No wonder the dragon’s aura was vibrant, with distinct scales, armor, and a resplendent beard.

Xu Ziqing was also impressed. Although the nine continents had been separated for countless years, it wasn’t implausible that a grand country with a rich heritage could leave behind legends and secret knowledge.

At this point, the prince bowed deeply and earnestly said, “As Zhao’s elder brother, I am indebted to Mr. Xu for saving his life.”

With a gentle voice, Xu Ziqing replied, “It was merely a small effort, and Zhao’er has already expressed grat.i.tude.”

However, Dong Lixi insisted, “Zhao’er is my only brother, and I cannot rest in peace without doing something for him.” After saying this, he performed all the necessary rituals before standing upright.

Feeling the prince’s sincerity, Xu Ziqing accepted his gesture but grew fonder and fonder of him. He stated, “Since Zhao’er is safe in your care, I should take my leave.”

Dong Lizhao was taken aback, “Sir, you’re leaving?”

Xu Ziqing smiled apologetically, as involving himself in a change of dynasty was not his place, and he had to depart.

Dong Lixi understood that even monks had their restrictions, but because his brother was reluctant to see Xu Ziqing leave, he earnestly proposed, “If Mr. Xu intends to depart, Xi and Zhao wouldn’t dare stop you. However, it’s already late today. How about staying for the night and leaving tomorrow?”

Xu Ziqing was initially inclined to decline, but a sudden thought crossed his mind, and he agreed.

Due to the need for secrecy from outsiders, Dong Lizhao stayed with Dong Lixi, while Xu Ziqing was accommodated in a secluded chamber at the rear. The room was serene and undisturbed, as no one had been a.s.signed to attend to him, which suited his preferences.

Thus, Xu Ziqing entered the room, leaving the two brothers to converse privately.

Closing the door behind him, Xu Ziqing activated a seal and entered a meditative state within his ring. He called out, “Brother Yun, Brother Yun.”

Immediately, a man dressed in white swiftly appeared before him.

Xu Ziqing smiled faintly as he looked at his friend. “Brother Yun, you asked me to stay earlier. May I know why?”

It turned out that just as he was about to depart, Yun Lie’s voice emanated from the ring, persuading him to remain. Xu Ziqing found it intriguing since his friend seldom showed concern for matters outside his own life and rarely spoke. How could he be aware of the situation?

Yun Lie nodded subtly. “Please have a seat.”

Xu Ziqing raised an eyebrow in surprise. Could it be that the matter at hand was delicate? He sat down at the table, attentively listening to his friend’s words.

On the opposite side of the round table, a round stool materialized on its own, and Yun Lie also took a seat, his expression still cold. “The incident that nearly destabilized the Cheng Juan Kingdom was instigated by wicked demons. As a pract.i.tioner of the Immortal Way, you cannot overlook it.”

Xu Ziqing’s eyelids twitched. “The Devil Path?”

Yun Lie affirmed, “Take a closer look at the dynasty’s fortune.”

Xu Ziqing complied, his eyes emanating a green glow. He gazed intently out of the window, displaying even more caution than when he observed the qi in the evening.

Yun Lie advised, “Ignore the golden dragon and focus on the black half-dragon.”

Xu Ziqing scrutinized the scene and noticed that the black-scaled dragon exhibited even greater dominance at night. Its tail entangled with the tail of the golden dragon, and its immense bodies twisted tighter and tighter.

It appeared as though… the golden dragon and the black half-dragon were engaged in a peculiar interaction.

Upon closer inspection, Xu Ziqing discerned that the black half-dragon’s eyes were shaped like a snake’s, with dark golden pupils surrounded by a blood-red ring. A black mist hovered over it, obscuring its true nature. At first glance, it was unclear, but upon further examination, it appeared extraordinarily bizarre and menacing.

Clearly, the black half-dragon had been tainted by demonic energy.

Although Xu Ziqing was an immortal cultivator, he knew that various types of cultivators existed in the world, such as demon cultivators, devil cultivators, and ghost cultivators, whose paths diverged greatly from his own.

Pract.i.tioners of the demon path were chaotic, while those on the devil path and ghost path were opposing forces to immortal cultivators. One represented Yin, the other Yang; one embodied negativity, the other positivity. There was no inherent good or bad among all cultivators; they all abided by the Heavenly Dao.

Ghost cultivators were rare, and devil cultivators and immortal cultivators held stark opposition to each other.

However, regardless of the path chosen, all cultivators were subject to the rules of the Heavenly Dao. Hence, Xu Ziqing was astonished to learn that there were demon cultivators involved in the kingdom’s affairs when he had withdrawn from the world.

Furthermore, there was one thing he still did not comprehend. “Brother Yun, what exactly is the Devil Path?”

Yun Lie stared at him indifferently and responded coldly. “A pract.i.tioner of the devil’s path experiences the full spectrum of human emotions and cultivates as they desire. In addition to harnessing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, their cultivation methods mostly rely on negative energies such as anger, darkness, blood, death, and impurity. They often succ.u.mb to greed, rage, and madness, becoming addicted to vices like alcohol, s.e.x, and killing, constantly plagued by delusional thoughts.

There is a distinction between following a demonic path and the devil’s path.

Those who cultivate the Tao of Harmony with Yin and Yang maintain decency, never forcing others into s.e.xual encounters, and seek mutual benefit. On the other hand, pract.i.tioners of the evil demon path engage in acts of rape, pillage, and plunder, using people as tools to satisfy their desire for power and inflicting harm upon their lives.

Therefore, immortal cultivators may not see eye to eye with those who align themselves with the devil’s path, but they will go so far as to eliminate those who practice the devil’s path.

However, due to the unique techniques of the devil’s path, cultivating the devil’s way is much easier than the righteous way. Consequently, those who follow the devil’s path often surpa.s.s their counterparts on the righteous path.”

Xu Ziqing found himself captivated by this information. He had only heard sporadic mentions of the enmity between the devil’s path and the immortal path, but he lacked a deep understanding of the reasons and intricate details. Now that he had gained some insight, thoughts began to form in his mind.

Unable to contain his curiosity, he inquired, “How do these two paths… how do you, Brother Yun, deal with each other?”

Yun Lie responded in a cold tone, “Those who practice the demonic path differ from my path and are not sought after. Those who follow the devil’s path are to be killed upon sight, and if their sect is wicked, they must be eradicated by any means necessary.”

His voice was icy, and his intent to kill was palpable, causing Xu Ziqing’s hair to stand on end, and he couldn’t help but shiver. “I wonder how many people have been killed by Brother Yun…?”

For the first time since they met, Yun Lie stated, “I have slain 933 devil cultivators.”

Xu Ziqing was shocked. Such a strong inclination towards murder sent a chill down one’s spine. However, he also recognized that although Yun Lie was a prolific killer, he didn’t act without careful consideration, which was truly commendable.

Now that he understood the reason, Xu Ziqing spoke, “Does Brother Yun want me to locate and eliminate the devil cultivator?” Recalling the ma.s.sacre he had witnessed with Dong Lizhao, he believed it must be related to the evil demon. Although he felt uneasy, he didn’t argue. Instead, he expressed his doubts, “Cultivators are not permitted to interfere in mundane court affairs, so how can I…”

But Xu Ziqing trusted that Yun Lie would never harm him, so he suspected there must be another motive.

“The matter of a change in a dynasty is originally a mundane affair. However, since the devil’s path is involved, those in the immortal path cannot simply stand idly by and watch.”

It appears that mundane affairs are typically handled by ordinary people, but when devilish cultivators get involved, the balance is disrupted, and the immortals are compelled to confront them, turning mundane matters into a battle among cultivators.

Yun Lie’s expression remained cold as he continued, “Good actions bring about good outcomes, while evil actions result in bad consequences. The evil demon path has gone against the natural order, and it is Heaven’s will that you are here at this opportune moment.”

Xu Ziqing was taken aback. “If I hadn’t come here…” he pondered, considering the possibility of what might have occurred if he hadn’t met Dong Lizhao or hadn’t saved him. What would have unfolded in this place?

Yun Lie responded coldly, “There are celestial rules to follow, and if it’s not you, it will be someone else. Meeting him was your chance.”

Xu Ziqing smiled and sighed, “I understand. I will follow your instructions, Brother Yun.”

The second son, Dong Lizhao, possesses a benevolent heart, respects his elder brother, and emanates a golden dragon aura. It is evident that this dynasty possesses great fortune and should not be on the verge of changing its rule.

Furthermore, Dong Lizhao is a wise and benevolent ruler. Therefore, there must be an external threat disturbing the dynasty and interfering with its heavenly fate.

This is a grave transgression.

As an immortal, Xu Ziqing knows that in order to become an immortal, he must contribute to the Heavenly Dao. If he performs his duties well, he may be rewarded. However, even if he fails… the Heavenly Dao intends to use his hand to punish those who have meddled. As long as he does his best and doesn’t defy the Heavenly Dao, he won’t end up in a dire situation.

Indeed, Heaven’s business is not a trivial matter.

Xu Ziqing nodded, “Yes, I have contemplated it thoroughly.” He smiled once again, expressing grat.i.tude, “Thank you, Brother Yun, for your guidance.”

That night, to prevent the pract.i.tioners of the devil’s path cultivator from sensing the surging spiritual energy within him, Xu Ziqing decided not to meditate. Instead, he slept on his bed like an ordinary mortal, resting for the night.

The following day, Dong Lizhao knocked on his door early, asking, “Sir, are you awake?”

Xu Ziqing opened his eyes, rolled over, and went to the door, greeting with a smile, “You’re up early.”

Dong Lizhao felt embarra.s.sed. He hadn’t slept well all night, fearing that Xu Ziqing would leave him. It was still early dawn in the east, and he couldn’t wait to come over.

The eunuchs stationed in the East Palace remained oblivious, but Xu Ziqing noticed the dark circles under Dong Lizhao’s eyes. With a soft sigh, he let him in, saying, “Don’t act so hastily, and be cautious not to be seen.”

Dong Lizhao let out a sigh of relief and entered, closing the door behind him. He explained, “I took the back route, hugging the wall. This place is quite secluded, so unless it’s something important, no one will find out.”

Observing Dong Lizhao’s reliance on him, Xu Ziqing’s gaze softened.

• 1Jiao Tu: The general’s name.